How To Survive Finals Week (Without Looking Like it)+DIYs

I know most of you are in the same boat as me right now I have Regents, SAT subject tests, and finals all packed into June. These hectic last couple of weeks makes it difficult to juggle studying and free time, and almost impossible to look presentable on top of that. Of course no one is going to care what you look like on most days, but I know I don't want to look like I just rolled out of bed (even if I did). In order to overcome this challenge here are a few tips and tricks to have a slightly above average finals week. 

The Fanny Pack Revolution

Whenever I think of a fanny pack I think of a mom at a garage sale, it may be because that is the only time my mom ever wore a fanny pack. But as I delve further into the different styles that have been created for this year's runway there is so much more to work with. It is no longer just limited to the basic black canvas material there is so much more colors, styles, fabrics, etc. that make it a lot more user friendly.  

But with their frightening past it can still be hard to know how to style. So follow these few tips and you will be sure to rock the world with your classy not trashy fanny pack. 

The Melting Pot of Fashion

Growing up in New York (A.K.A. the melting pot) I have been exposed to so many different cultures. Having this opportunity is such a blessing and has allowed me to explore what else is beyond my personal bubble. When the Met Gala came along, one of my favorite fashion events, this year's theme sent a spark running through my veins. The theme was China:Through the looking glass and the outfits certainly didn't disappoint. But why stop at China? Plenty of other cultures have influenced our clothing today in beautiful ways. 

The Desirables of April

Happy 20th Blog Post! For my twentieth blog post I wanted to do something a little different so I am going to do my April favorites, essentially the fashion pieces I have been loving this April. 

Big Chunky Boyfriend Sweater      

It is actually a little embarrassing how much I wore this sweater, but that doesn't mean I am going to stop. I bought this sweater from forever 21 after a year long search for the perfect oversized cardigan.  It is a thicker knit that helped keep me warm throughout the winter under my down jacket and now in the warmer months I wear it on its own.  The cream color makes it super easy to pair with any style, color, or pattern. 

5 Secrets You Should Know When Thrift Shopping

Since Earth Day was this week I decided to do a post on tips for thrift shopping. Thrift shopping is a more eco-friendly and cheaper way to build your dream wardrobe. Although I would love to be an expert at this, there are not many thrift shops near me, so through research I have accumulated the top 5 tips when thrift shopping. 

1. Have a Plan 

Take a look at your closet and donate things that you don't really wear and trash the clothes that have stains, rips, holes, etc. After you emptied out your closet to the stuff that you truly like/love think about what you are missing, a nice trench coat? maybe denim shorts? When shopping keep theses pieces in mind so you don't go too crazy when you see the marked down prices. 

What To Wear for Anxiety

This blog post is something that is a little more personal and will therefore be less formal. There are a lot of standards out there how to act, look, and even what you are supposed to like. All of this expectation can create anxiety, something I personally struggle with, the feeling of being trapped and only slowly regaining the grasp on reality. Where you then again find yourself locked within the "societal norm." It may be hard to find a mistake, but in 20 years are you gong to care about fitting in or doing something you love. You probably hear this everywhere and although it is important and you may try to do what you love, the truth is it is hard to put yourself out there and truly be yourself. Although this might sound materialistic or insensitive a great step is finding a new outfit. This is not to create a false confidence, but it is important to dress for yourself.  

Brands You Will Be Proud To Wear

Shopping is a necessity for everyone, but we can make our own "necessity" a source of light and happiness for others helping them obtain the true need, health. While many top brands such as Versace and Michael Kors have given portions of their funds to charitable organizations there are many other smaller fashion brands that devote their business to greater causes. 

Lemlem

http://www.lemlem.com 

Started by Ethiopian born super model Liya Kebede, Lemlem is not a regular clothing brand instead it is a source of hope. Lemlem, meaning flourish or bloom, keeps the traditional weavers of Ethiopia from losing their jobs and to preserve the art of weaving. In addition to that Liya is trying to better the conditions for women during childbirth to save the mother's and child's life. The website includes women's & kid's clothing, accessories, and  home ware with a relaxed boho feel(& a lot of stripes).